Without hesitation, The Globe’s editorial board praised Gov. Eric Greitens on Jan. 10 when within an hour of being sworn in as the 56th governor of Missouri, he sent a powerful message to legislators.

He signed an executive order banning executive branch employees in his administration from accepting or soliciting gifts from lobbyists.

But something has changed about this governor who we believed would become an ethics champion. Prior to his election, he was quoted across the state as firmly believing in transparency when it comes to campaign donations.

Here’s what he told St. Louis Public Radio last year: “What I’ve found is that the most important thing is transparency around the money.” He later added: “I’ve been very proud to tell people, ‘I’m stepping forward, and you can see every single one of our donors because we are proud of our donors, and we are proud of the campaign we are running.’”

Now, we find out our governor’s position on campaign money and lobbyist gifts was not worthy of praise because he has failed to live up to his word.

During the legislative session, some lawmakers pushed for “dark money” groups to disclose donors, arguing that these big donors shouldn’t hide behind anonymity while trying to sway an election. Nothing came of that push, and one need look no further than the governor as to the reason why.

Greitens’ own advisers have set up a nonprofit that does not have to follow contribution limits and isn’t required to disclose where it gets its money. Greitens, in a Kansas City Star story, defends the use of dark money saying some “career politicians” and “liberal media” are trying to mandate disclosure.

In Missouri, donations to political action committees and candidates are public documents. It’s how residents know who is behind a candidate or an issue. It’s a measure of transparency much needed.

Candidate are currently announcing their intentions to seek election or re-election in the 2018 state races. We’ve attended two such announcements this week.

Voters should challenge candidates on their acceptance of dark money and ask them to be forthright about campaign contributions.

In our view, dark money will disappear when candidates refuse to take it and voters refuse them an office if they do.

That kind of power belongs to you, not some anonymous donor with a lot of money.